Cadets excel in science, technology, engineering and mathematics
Cadet 1st class Emily Pavuk displays a T-38 Talon model in the laboratory of the aeronautical engineering department, January 31, 2025. Sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics programs of the Air Force Asademy need our future fighters. (US Air Force Photo by Justin Pacheco)
By Randy Roughton
US Air Force Academy Strategic Communications
US Air Force Academy, colo. – At the US Air Force Academy, the cadets go beyond mastery of science, technology, engineering and mathematics – they become leaders in these areas. The STEM programs of the Academy equip the cadets of critical skills, technical expertise and essential leadership qualities to navigate in an increasingly complex battle space.
Cadet graduates have prepared to meet the evolving military challenges with a solid base in science and technology. Their academic training and practical research prepare them to stimulate technological progress in American air force and American spatial force.
Majors in aeronautical engineering as Cadet 1st class Emily Pavuk receive a practical experience because they create new technologies to improve the safety, performance and sustainability of aviation systems.
“This major allows me and others to contribute directly to the innovation and advancement of military technology,” said Pavuk, a aeronautical engineering major. “Working on these problems allows us to contribute to physical technology and focus on the future fight as leaders and technical experts.”
Cadet 1st Class Lino de Ros works with a tour in the US Air Force Academy Astronautics Laboratory, February 12, 2025. Sciences, technology, engineering and air force mathematics programs. (Us Air Force Photo by Ray Bahner)
Astronautical genius
Astronautical genius Majors like Cadet 1st Class Lino de Ros learn to design, build and exploit spaceships, satellites, missiles and other space systems.
DE ROS has sought the synthesis of the propulsion of rockets and has built a hybrid rocket to test the theoretical models. He also worked on propulsion systems to Spacex through the Cadet summer research program.
“Astronautics promotes a state of mind of problem solving that is essential for innovation in military technology,” said ROS. “Our research experiences strengthen confidence and practical skills essential to leadership and management as an engineering officer in the Air Force.”
Cadet 1st Class Irisa Reyes works on a research project in the Department of Chemistry, January 22, 2025. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs of the Air Force Asoly, technical and critical programs including future combatants need. (Us Air Force Photo by Dylan Smith)
Chemistry
Chemistry Majors like Cadet 1st class Irisa Reyes work in a myriad of areas of research and application, including medicinal chemistry and drug tests; Air, space and rocket propulsion; explosive formulation; and tests of compliance with nuclear and biological treaties. During Reyes’ work on the biochemistry track of her major, she did research on Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. Next year, she will attend a medical school at Services in Uniform University of Health Sciences In Bethesda, Maryland.
“Pursuing a career in military medicine will allow me to protect my colleagues combatants and keep them in the fight,” said Reyes. “Whether it is a question of treating injuries in the battlefield or preventing disease in austere environments, my mission will be to ensure that they can continue to move forward. They will know that someone is there to take care of them when it matters most. »»
Renata Russell of the 1st RENATA class solves a problem in the Mathematics department, January 22, 2025. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs of the American Air Force offer to technical and critical skills of which our future combatants need. (Us Air Force Photo by Dylan Smith)
Mathematics
Mathematics Majors like the youngest of the 1st Renata Russell class develop their skills in problem solving, logic and abstract. They meet various modern mathematics applications, including cryptography, automatic learning, operational research and data science.
“I know that the skills in critical thinking and communication that I developed will bring me to success as an Air Force officer,” said Russell. “Although I will not necessarily write evidence or not conceive of Kalman filters in active service, these disciplines have shaped the way I approach the problems. These skills will be essential to direct the teams by uncertainty and the fight against wars in an evolving geopolitical landscape. »»
Cadet 1st class Thomas Young works on his department of physics and meteorology Capstone Research Team Team to slow down and capture xenon atoms for nuclear criminalic in the laser and optics Research Laboratory, February 11, 2025. Us Air Force Academy Science, Technology, Engineering and mathematics programs offer technical and critical skills of which our future fighters need. (Us Air Force Photo by Dylan Smith)
Physical
Physical Majors like the 1st class Cadet Thomas Young develop the knowledge and skills necessary to solve unforeseen, abstract, complex and poorly defined problems. Graduates will come into active service entrusted to their ability to adapt and overcome unforeseen challenges.
“I chose physics because it is a varied and expansive area with many concepts,” said Young. “We are developing a method of thinking that encourages adaptive learning and problem solving that can be applied to each of these distinct disciplines. It is the same state of mind as the requirements to combat modern war – a flexible application of knowledge prior to a constantly evolving problem. »»
The STEM programs of the Academy are the basis of the development of managers, innovators and combatants prepared to shape the future of national defense.
See cadet photos working in STEM.